Sensorless rotor position estimation by PWM-induced signal injection

TL;DR

This paper presents a method to estimate the rotor position of a PWM-controlled PMSM using the PWM signals themselves, enabling low-velocity operation without external probes, demonstrated through simulations and experiments.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel sensorless rotor position estimation technique leveraging PWM-induced signals, eliminating the need for external signal injection.

Findings

Effective rotor position estimation at low speeds

Successful validation through simulations and experiments

No external probing signals required

Abstract

We demonstrate how the rotor position of a PWM-controlled PMSM can be recovered from the measured currents, by suitably using the excitation provided by the PWM itself. This provides the benefits of signal injection, in particular the ability to operate even at low velocity, without the drawbacks of an external probing signal. We illustrate the relevance of the approach by simulations and experimental results.